The purpose of this symposium is to provide students and Michigan citizens an opportunity to think deeply about the existing system America uses to select the President, and about the viability and wisdom of alternative methods.

Overall, the event is a unique opportunity to hear voices from across the aisle debate and discuss one of the most pressing issues facing America today. While ephemeral partisan fights often control the political airways, our event provides a chance to put those disagreements to the side and think deeply about how we can best organize our country to promote and protect democracy.

5:00 p.m.Michigan Thought Leader Panel on Presidential Selection AlternativesModerator: John Chamberlin, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public PolicyNolan Finley, editorial page editor of The Detroit NewsThe Honorable Joe Schwarz, former U.S. Congressman and Lecturer in Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public PolicyRichard Friedman, Alene and Allan F. Smith Professor of Law and Professor of Law, University of MichiganMargo Schlanger, Wade H. and Dores M. McCree Collegiate Professor of Law, Henry M. Butzel Professor of Law and Professor of Law, Law SchoolJenna Bednar, Edie N. Goldenberg Endowed Director for the Michigan in Washington Program, Professor of Political Science

6:00 p.m.A Discussion on the Current Approach to Presidential Selection and Possible AlternativesModerator: Jon-Michael Dougherty, Associate, Covington & Burling LLPTara Ross, retired lawyer and author of The Indispensable Electoral College: How the Founders’ Plan Saves Our Country from Mob Rule (2017)Pat Rosenstiel, CEO of Ainsley Shea and Senior Consultant to the National Popular Vote campaign

6:40 p.m.Keynote addressJocelyn Benson, Secretary of State-Elect for the State of Michigan

7:00 p.m.Reception

About the Making Every Vote Count Foundation

The Making Every Vote Count Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing citizen awareness of problems with the existing Presidential selection system. For more information on The Making Every Vote Count Foundation, visit: www.mevcFoundation.com